CSUSM Housing Costs

$10,200 On-Campus Room Typical Cost

$5,226 On-Campus Meals Typical Cost

$1,061 Books & Supplies Typical Cost

$3,714 Other Living Expenses Typical Cost

How Much Will it Cost to Live at CSUSM?

It is important to understand all of the costs associated with going to college so you can plan accordingly at California State University-San Marcos.

On this page you will find:

Living Expenses Outline
Room & Board Trends and Total Expenses
Meal Plans and Housing Requirements
References

Living Expenses at CSUSM

This school offers students separate housing and dining options. The on-campus housing charge for an average student was $10,200 in 2026, and a standard meal plan cost $5,226. All in all, the average on-campus student at California State University-San Marcos spent approximately $22,640 in 2026 once room, board, books and other living expenses are included.

The table below shows the expected costs of on-campus and off-campus housing and dining plans for California State University-San Marcos.

Expense	On Campus	Off Campus
Room and Board	$17,865	$27,498
— Housing	$10,200
— Meals	$5,226
Other Living Expenses	$3,714	$6,290
Books and Supplies	$1,061	$1,061
Total	$22,640	$34,849

The Projected Cost of Living On Campus? Four-Year Forecast: $98,650

Tuition is not the only college cost that climbs each year — room and board does too. Estimating the trend now makes for a more accurate four-year budget.

At the projected rate, four years of on-campus living costs would total roughly $98,650 in room, board and other essentials.

See how housing and dining costs have changed over recent years and where they are trending at California State University-San Marcos.

Year	Room & Board
Three Years Ago	$15,808
Two Years Ago	$16,630
One Year Ago	$17,866
Most Recent Year (2026)	$17,865
One Year From Now *	$18,639
Two Years From Now *	$19,448
Three Years From Now *	$20,291
Four Years From Now *	$21,172

* estimated

Year over year, room and board rose an average of 4.3% annually. At the same pace next year, the total would be roughly $23,414 for room, board and essentials in year one.

Projected forward, the last year of a four-year degree runs about $25,947 for a four-year (bachelor’s) degree, and about $24,223 in their second and final year.

Over a four-year stay, the projected room, board and living-cost total is about $98,650 for four years, or about $47,637 for a two-year (associate) degree.